Cinematographic light control apparatus



Oct. 30, 1951 L. E. CLARK 2,573,405

CINEMATOGRAPHIC LIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 5, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet l l I 5 2 i i VAR/ABLE 15 Res/5 rA/vor ct. 30, 1951 L, E CLARK CINEMATOGRAPHIC LIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 5, 1949 1 MM 0 M 5 W/ m/ L; Ej@ E.) A@ V/M a f/mf 3 .www a 1 j 7W www fm Oct. 30, 1951 Filed Feb. 5, 1949 L. E. CLARK 2,573,405

CINEMATOGRAPHIC LIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Row Patented ct. 30, 195i CINEMATOGRAPHIC LIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS Lauriston E. Clark, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of Maine Application February 5, 1949, Serial No. 74,727

23 claims. 1

This invention relates to the art of controlling machines to perform a predetermined sequence of operations and particularly to mechanism controlled by a record carrying code signals such as the perforated card used in the Hollerith system of compiling accounting and statistical data. Intelligence is prepared on such types of records by operation of a recording machine which marks signals on the record in a sequence of coded groups. After preparation the record is read by an analyzing device which cames other machinery to perform a number of operations according to the sequence in which the coded groups are analyzed.

Usually the signals are marked in columns lengthwise of the record and disposed in coded groups transversely of the columns. However the succession of coded groups does not ordinarily occupy the whole field available on the record, each transverse group extending substantially across the entire width oi the record. In controlling certain mechanisms it is desirable to record a larger number of code groups in the available field so that a maximum number of operations may be controlled by the record and the cooperative analyzing machines.

'For example the art of cinematography involves printing a positive lm strip from a negative which may carry over 150 different scenes, each one requiring a different exposure to produce an acceptable density in the positive print. quantity production of prints it is desirable to predetermine the operation of the exposing light source so that the entire sequence of scenes may be printed without interruption.

One object of the present invention is to provide a way to increase the number of code groups lwhich may be incorporated in a record of predetermined length. Another object is to provide tensities to be used in printing motion picture iilms which employs standard records prepared with available statistical recording machines, which is 'compact and simple in construction, efcient and easy to use, and economical to manufacture.

In one aspect the invention involves a record having columns of signal marks herein also shortly referred to as signals and comprises mechanism for advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions, a sensing element associated with each of the columns and responsive to a signal so as to aect an electric circuit, and means for changing the columns to which the sensing elements are responsive whereby different columns are eiective at different times.

For

Preferably the effect of the columns is varied by selective switches or like means which render some of the sensing switch elements inoperative while other elements are operative. The selective means is provided so that the signals may be disposed in two or more coded groups transversely of the columns, thereby utilizing a greater portion of the record. Only one of the transverse groups is sensed at one time, the other group or groups being sensed at other times. Sequencing means may be provided to actuate the advancing mechanism in a series of steps and the changing means in a concomitant series of shifts; that is, the advancing mechanism and the selective means may be actuated alternately, or in each cycle of change the column changing means may be actuated once simultaneously with the advancing mechanism and once alone. The sequencing means may be controlled by the successive operations of a control switch actuated by external apparatus; for example, a microswitch may be closed and opened by the movement of a lever in response to a notch in a motion picture lm strip moving past said switch.

In a further aspect the invention comprises the combination of a lm strip carrying consecutive picture series requiring individual exposure intensities and cuing signals for each change of the intensity, with a control record having code signals arranged in groups transversely disposed in relation to the columns of signals, each group of code signals dening one of said exposure .intensities and corresponding to one of the cuing signals. In this aspect two or more groups of code signals are disposed in one row transversely of the columns of signals.

In a still further aspect the invention comprises a control record having a series of consecutive groups of code signal elements, marks or indicia arranged in two or more adjacent columns so that the series passes back and forth between the columns as it progresses along the record. More particularly the pattern card has transverse rows of signal elements which are divided into two or more adjacent groups of signal elements. Each group of signals is one of a series of groups which progresses transversely of a row, thence to the next row, then transversely of the next row, and so on passing in a Zig-zag fashion lengthwise of the card.

In another aspect the apparatus comprises the combination of a record having a plurality of coded signal groups, a carrier for the record, sensing elements in contact with the record, the carrier being movable from the starting position to associate successive groups of code signals with 3 the sensing elements, a device for retracting the sensing elements from contact with the record, and a switch carried on the carrier adapted to actuate the retracting device when the carrier is moved toward the starting position.

For the purpose of illustration particular embodiments of the invention are illustrated inthe accompanying drawings vin which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of cinematographi light change apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram 'of `one Yembodiment of the apparatus;

ing and advancing mechanism; A Y

Fig. 4 is a section on line li2-l of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Fig. 3;V

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6 6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a plan View of a control card; and

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the Ioperation ofthe-system according to the invention.

As shown in Fig. 1 the light change apparatus includes a switch I, a control circuit O, mechanism H Vfor sensing and advancing a card like that shown in Fig. .8, anda variable resistance X in series with a printing lamp G land a source of direct current power applied at the terminals d and c.- A power supply B convertsV alternating current 'supplied atv the terminals A and C to power 4at suitable voltages for the card sensing mechanism and rthe control circuit. A negative film strip N and a positive film strip P are fed past `the switch and the printing lamp G. A

.notch 2 in the negative lm strip N actuates a lever 3 as it passes, thereby to operate the switch I'. Actuation of the switch I momentarily conditions a part of the control circuit; the control circuit then causes the card to'be advanced one step and selects the coded group to which the 'card sensing mechanism will respond. In accordance with the coding of the particular groups sensed, the eiect of the variable resistance X -is selected so that the exposure ofthe printing lamp is set to expose properly the scene l:following the notch onthe negative lm strip N;

y One type of coded card isshown in Fig. 8. On such a record it is possible to punch 96|) perforations disposed in rows of 12 and columns of 80.

Usually the ldetectors used to sense the perforations are disposed vtransversely of the card so that they sense all the holes punched in one row. If less than twelve circuits are to be controlled by the card each row may be broken up into two or more vcoded groups. Coding is accomplished by punching one or more perforations in 'one ofthe two groups within therows. Eachr'ow -of twelve perforations on the card shown in Fig. is divided into two vgroups ofsiX possible p'erforatio'ns leach. Different codings are obtained by punching one perforation of a group in combination with one or more of the other perforations in the same group. According to the present invention, the jtwo Vgroups'in the vsame row may be sensed lsuccessively rather than simultaneously. For this purpose the vcard is punched with a novel Vseries of Vcode groups which alternatelyv progresses transversely and lengthwise of the card. As previously explained'the card is divided into 'two columns of eighty code groups, each group being similar to that indicated bythe bracket in Fig. 8. The series of code groups may begin in the lower column and in the extreme left-hand row of the card,` andV thence progress to theadjacent group in the upper column in the same. row, thenceto a group in the second row from the left in either the upper or lower column, thence transversely of the second row, and so on.

A typical circuit with which such a card is used is shown in Fig. 2. A power supply B includes a power switch I and a fuse i2 in the line leading r'om the power terminal A. Across the lines Aleading from the terminals A and C is a bridge rectier I6 which furnishes rectined current at the output terminals I3 and lil. Rectiers such f ,l ias copper Aoxide cells or vacuum tubes may be used inthe bridge, or a conventional rectifier may be Fig. 3 is an isometric View of control card sensemployed. The rectified current is supplied to the `card sensing and advancing mechanism H and to the control circuit O.

The sensing and advancing mechanism H (Figs.

Y 2 to 6) includes a` cylinder ZI, and i3 detectors such as retractable brushes 2t, 22a. and 22h mounted so as to bear upon the cylinder 2| and make an electrical contact therewith. The control card 36 is inserted between the cylinderjZI and the brushes 22a and 22brso that contact is not made unless through a perforation. in the card. In series with each of the six brushes. 22a is a cell rectiiier 23a such as a copper oxide cell connected so that it allows direct current to ow only from the brush 22a to the cylinder 2L The cells 23hin series with siX brushes 22h permit current flow only from the cylinder 2l to the brushes 22D. Thus, although one 'of the six brushes 22a and one of the brushesZb simu-lL taneously make contact with the cylinder 21 if the polarity of direct current applied to the cells and the conductor is such that current tends to new from the cylinder 2i, current; will flow only through the brush 22h. When one of the .brushes 22a or 22h makes such contact an electrical lcir'- cuit is completed through one of the relays 3l 'to d2. Thus either set of brushes 22d or 22h, depending on the polarity of current flowing thereto, may energize the relays.

A relay 43 is associated with advancing 'mecha-- nism shown in Figs. 3 and el Vand indicated in Fig. 2 by the dotted line 44 which on actuation v of the relay 43, advances the card. lengthwise of the rows so that a new row of perforations is advanced to position opposite the brushes 22a and 22h. J

The sensing and advancingmechanism, shown 4in detail in Figs. 3 to 6, includes a metal bed itt on which vthe perforated card 3 lies betweentwo moving guide blocks |52 and '|53 constituting Ya record conveyor. The guide Ablocks are carried on yokes ill and |53 respectively 'and ride in track |55 in the bed.

'I he ends of the yoke |54 ride in tracks |5`| at each side of the bed while the yoke |55 rides in only one Yof the tracks i5?. Both yokes are 'attached to and are moved by a rack It whichis urged along the side of thebed by a ribbon v|555' which isV wound on a Vspringt'ensionec'l reelII. Motion of the'rack is controlled by escapernent mechanism' contained in the housing |55. As shown in Fig. 4, the escapemen't includes a 'pawl |62 normally engaging a tooth of the rack |518 and a pawl |63 which engages` a tooth of the 'rack |58 by action of the relay d3 in response to a momentary current applied at its terminals Q3@ and 43h. 'As pawl |63 engages a tooth, pawl ISE is disengaged and lifted clear of a tooth. When the relay is deenergized, pawl |63 is disengaged iromthe rack, and pawl |82 engages an adjacent tooth allowing the rackto advance one step. The perforated card36, urged by the blocks |52 and |53, advances along the bed from a starting posi- M tive terminal I3 of the rectifier I6,

tion remote from the brushes, bringing a new row of-perforations adjacent the brushes When the rack is urged toward starting position, the pawl |62 is cammed over the teeth with a ratchet action. The card is held evenly in the bed against the edge guides |64 and under the shoulder bars |66 attached to the edge guides and an elongate plate |65 which bears on the card, holding it flat against the bed. Thecylinder 2| is carried on a yoke |61 which is rotatably mounted on the edge guides |64. The yoke |61 may be swung upwardly to lift the roller 4away from the bed |50. Attached to the yoke is an elongate plate |68 which serves to hold the card against the bed, and engages at one end with the latch |69 securing the roller yoke |61. The latch controls a switch 98 having terminals 99, and |0| as hereinafter explained. A As shown in Figs. and 6, the sensing brushes 20,"22a Vand 22h are mounted on a rotating support I1I and extend at an angle to the bed |50 through an aperture |12 in a plate I 13 of insulating material tted in the bed. The support |1| carries an arm 14 which is urged by a spring I 16 to rotate the support and retract the brushes from contact with the roller 2| or the card 36. When relay 46 having terminals 46a and 46h is energized, the arm |14 is moved rotating the brush support |1| until, the brushes touch the card or the roller. A normally closed switch 5|, connected in series with the relay 46, is mounted on the yoke |53. A handle |11 is movably attached to the yoke |56. If the handle is pushed toreturn the card to starting position, it opens the switch 5|, thereby deenergizing the relay 45 and retracting the brushes. Thus the brushes cannot be damaged by moving the card toward ,starting position.

The control circuit O shown in Fig. 2 includes a control relay 1| which is in series with the `switch I actuated by the notch in the hlm. When vthe switch I closes, the control relay 1I is momentarily energized, closing two switches or keys 12 and 13. The switch 12 completes a circuit from the terminals A and C through a relay 14 which actuates a counter 16. Each notch passing the .switch I is counted so that the total number of scenes on the negative strip N which have been exposed by the light change apparatus is indi- -cated. An auxiliary switch 6 may be manually -operated in place of the automatic actuation of lthe edge notch switch I to energize relay 1| and actuate the control circuit O.

The switch 13 operated by the control relay 1| closes a circuit through a sequencing relay 8| vwhich controls the switches 82 to 84. The relay 8| isalatching relay which holds the switches 82,83 and 84 in one of two positions, either against the contacts 86, 88 and 90 or against the contacts 81, 89 and 9| respectively.

The selective switches 83 and 34 serve to select the polarity of direct current through the card r`sensing mechanism. When the switches 83 and I84 are in position against contacts 88 and 90, the

current ow will be from the negative terminal A I4 of the rectifier I6 through the terminal 90 of switch 84, the relays 31 to 42, thence through vthe rectifying cells 23a and the brushes 22a only to the conductor 2|, through the brush 20, the terminal 88 of switch 83 and thence to the posi- When the switches 83'and 84 make contact with the terirninels. 8.9 and 9|. the rectified current will .flow only through the cells 23h and the brushes 22h fsince the current ow between these two switches is`reversed. When the switches 83 and 84 are in the rst of the above-described positions current will also ow through the indicator lamp 96, and in the second described position the indicator lamp 91 will be lighted. Thus the lamps indicate which of the two sets of six brushes, 22a or 22h are eiective, hence which of the two transverse groups of coded signals on the card are being sensed.

Each time the sequencing relay 8| is energized by the control relay 1|, the sequencing relay causes the selective switches 83 and 84 to reverse the polarity of current through the brushes, while every other time the sequencing relay is energized, the card advancing relay 43 is energized.Y Thus the card is advanced every other time the selective switches shift control from one set of brushes to the other, so that both columns of code groups are sensed alternately as the card is stepped past the brushes.

In series with the rectifier bridge I6, the brush retracting relay 46, and the switch 5| is the switch 98 constituting an auxiliary key or switch associated with the plate |68 used to guide the card as it is fed past the cylinder 2|. When the plate |68 is lifted from engagement with the latch |69, the latch transfers the switch 98 from terminal 99 to terminal |00, thereby deenergizing relays 1| and 46. Relay 1I is then unresponsive to a closing of the edge notch switch and relay 46 allows the brushes to be retracted. In addition, if the latching relay should be conditioned so that switch 82 makes contact with terminal 86, current will be applied through terminal of switch 98 to the relay 8|, energizing it and causing the switch 82 to transfer to the unconnected terminal 81, thereby deenergizing the latching relay. Thus whenever the guideplate |68 is disengaged frorn the latch |69, the latching relay will remain in or be returned to a predetermined starting condition, with the contacts of the switches 82, 83 and 84 making contact with terminals 81, 89 and 9| respectively.

According to the present invention, as the advancing and sensing mechanism is controlled by the circuit O relays 31 to 42 are energized or deenergized in response to a sensing by the brushes of perforations in the card. The relays in turn change the condition of a group of switches 55 to 60 so that they either do not aiect or on the other hand short circuit one or more of the resistors ||1 to |22. Thus if switches 83 and 84 will permit current to flow through the brushes 22a when one of the brushes, for instance, the extreme left brush 22a, senses a perforation in the card, current will ow through the relay 31, causing switch 55 to close and short out the resistance ||1, thus decreasing the voltage drop across the resistor bank II1 to |22. The voltage applied to the lamp G and the intensity of its exposure is increased. Direct current power for the lamp is applied at the terminals d and c. In order that not all the resistances be effective in the absence of any periorations opposite the brushes two of the switches 59 and 60 are controlled by a switch action opposite to that of the other switches and normally, that is, in the absence of a signal, they are closed, shunting the resistors 2| and |24 respectively. With this arrangement the value of the resistance bank and hence the intensity of the printing lamp does not jump to an extreme value while the control cardis being advanced and the brushes 22a and '22D Wipe over the unperforated portion of the .ft-wenas perforation 'allowing current'to '1i-low' Vthroghf the relayf42, the switch E01Would open, allowing Athe resistance |'22 'life te :effective in the seri-esn beni;` hn vauxiliary resistor 23y in series `With=theresistr bank and'of less value:thananyv of the resistors therein may be renderedeffective manu.-l ally' by theswitch l b so las' to cause minor correce tive changes in the effect of the? resistors iin the bank. lrFor instar'ice,` if ."itwis' desiredf'to obtain 'aiy resistancev value interm'ediateL two fyalues' of the b'aikresistors thfeswitchb I'b is openedc manually throwing; the resistor l 23 in series IWith' `the re'- sistanc'e bank. Switch `6|a f is physically connected to`switch 61h. When lthe-'resistance l23 is* shorted out of this circuit' the switchV Slav Yconnects a lamp'- 02 across the fp'owerlines. AI and C, indicatingthatthe resistance' l23=is not fin-series with thebank. 'In parallel withk the resistor .bank is a meter H6 which measures the voltagel drop across i the resistance Vbank Sand is graduated" in values Aof intensity; 'I'liese'values-correspond `to Athe-intensity of the lamp Gas deterii'iin'ed'by` the Voltage vdrop across theresistors'which are not shunt'ed by one of the switches-'55 to '60.

` The 'values of the' resistorsinV the'bank are chose'nfs'othat one or inorefof vrtheindividnal val'e'swill be a'multi'ple 'ofi'some unitary value. For *instance the series lemployed with six vresistors AWould'befr 11A-121i, 4m SnQlvnand 321i. Vari'- 'ous cornbin'at'io'ns' of these'v-alues Willyield av sum equal to any valuebetween ln and 63u.- Y

y In the Vembodiment illustrated in 'Fig'. '7 the vlight change apparatus comprises a photoelectric system vD ltorde'tecting` a niark placed on the negative-hlm strip N," ane'lectronic'control cir- 'cuit Oand a photoelectric system H' for' detecting' perforation's in aL-"card A- p'oyiie'r supply B', 4to Which' alternating current is supplied 'at the terminals A'-C. provides the Various potentials requiredto' operatethe electronic circuits. The photoelectric'fsysteni'used to sense perforati'ohs in the card controls rel-aysw'hich actu-ate resistor switches associatedV with Ithe Variable resistance bank X like that in Fig-1. The rst photoelectric "system D comprises 'afnveziciterflarnp 20|, condensing lenses 202, 2.03,V 204 and 206',"and

vthephotoelectic cell 201. LightV 'from vthe lamp '20 l -isfiocused by the-lenses'-202"toy 203 o'n aspot "205 of paint Yor any? rnater'iil` contrasting with the *negative strip-N. Light relectdi'froin" the L spot 235 vis focused by the lenses 204 and 206 on the cathode ofv photoelectric cell 201.- The pass- The: card sensing mechanism H'f iriluds Y the 'photoelectric tube exciterg lamps 2|A5^and-2f6jthe p hotoelectric "tubes 2 i l and Y2,22*,1the'*aniplifn'ers `A121 to AV'I-32jeach associated afphotocell, 'the relays 3? tofdZ, Which control switches lin the resistor bank X which maybe `the 'same as the "resistor bank. inthe embodiment shown inF1g 2.

"nie empiieed puieeoutpiof amplifier z'osis applied to thev input of an Eccles''alordan elctron tube circuit 7209. 'Such a'c'irci't'include's two tubes heid in e Statie* condition in which one or the 'other ol?V them is conducting current. An electric pulse applied toA the' vinput 'of 'such 'a circuit causes 'the tube: then condi'ictiirig''torr cease 'tubes will conduct, causing thelvolta'ge atl conducting and -allow the other to'conductipA lampx2l5, or 2l6, suitable for*'exciting =aephoto electriccell, is connected lirrseries with-eachiof theplates of the two tubes and-thefsource of the plate voltage at'the terinin'als'209wand 20917, Only the lamp in series with` the conducting-tube Will vbe lighted.v As vone vof -the f tubes changes from aY conducting to -a :noneconducting state there will be a rise of voltage atterminaLZUSa. This vvoltage change is-coupled to the :grid-oftan amplilier'tube 2l0twhose output-will Ibe=a lp1.11se of increased voltage. i' Depending on which half fof the Ecclesesilordan circuit 209 is conducting,:oneof'the'indicator lamps 2l5` or 21-5 Within ythe'fshields -2I3 and 2H will project. light through th'e `pe'rforationsHit ofth'e card-35. Ori the side cf the card-opposite the exciter lamps an-optical systm'indicatd by the paths l223 directs=the '-rays from 'the-exciting lamp on the cathodesof the phototb'es Hl' to |22. The' optical paths/1223 are"tubes"22l of asynthetic transparent material, -such"`as th.t sold yunder the trade Vnaine Lucite, which have the property of conducting vlight ra'ysaroundf'c'or ners so that lightirays 'entering one leri'dffof the tubepass outth'e other end. These 'tubesl direct a light ray passing through Va perforation ini-the card 35s() that it falls on the cathode oi'ft'hecor responding phototube. loptical path -of nir rors, lenses or prisms would also be suitable.

The embodiment shown in Fig; '7 opratsilas follows. As the negative filmstrip i'sfe'd past the photoelectric detecting system D vthe phototube kvZEE? -lesponclsl to aspot on -vtheiffilni 'thereby causing the Eccles-Jordan'circut 209 to icliazg its terminus conditioni As a result the'trniia-ls 209a 'and 209D alternately Will'fsupplylcrrt. As the conducting state shifts euiieritfifrmte'r; minal 20go and 20gb a 'momentarylpls'eof-crrent is applied tothe amplifier 210 u'rhihfcass the relay `43to advance 'the card'SG-orle stpto la vnew position. VSimultaneouslyJtlfie Vla-inp ZIB which has been lighted is eXtinguis'hedf-and-tl'ie lamp`2l5 is lighted. Perfrations on the'vrghthand side of the eerdere-theftsensedeb'yfiiiens 'of the light projected-"from thelamp ZIB-onto ycorrespond to perforationsinthe card. "While liight is projected nftheir eathodes the'piiotdheir .'p-

plates to *drop-inl value. This voltage dro' plied to the grids-of aA power; amplifier normally conducting, '-'c'ising itto cease con# jducting and deenergize Yoneo'f the relaysl to V42. Deenerg'iz-ation ofA the relay caussa trasfr tothe centactsof the-switches I'I 'toff22'intlie 'sa-'me' rianner thatthat transfer-"is-"effectdin the embodiment in Fig. athereby selectiiigtne to the code on the record-36.

Reeapiiuiaiing, wah referene'e1to 1jigs." and tions Ss'jreprsenting Va succession f diffreniiaiedsigriaisie be iniiiaiedfby these groups,

such as 'Various c ombinations'tof current flows energizingrelays 3? 11012. `Tlieiiiarks are ar- 70' ranged in' a pluralityA of adiacentj'columnsiand 'in' rows vtransverse of the columns. "Each'rod 'in- "cludes a plurality /of'n'iark groups" of `varying configurations' with veach group" definingTone` of the signals. The sequence 'of Vgroups progresses, 75 I in theintended order of' successonof"thesignals, within each row as indicated by arrows r `and from there to the next row as indicated by arrows c. .The groups of marks are sensed in this sequence by means of apparatus including cuing provisions such as described with refer- Aence to Figs. 2 and 7, along each row and from 'the end of the row to the beginning of the next row, to produce the intended series of differentiated signals in predetermined succession. Due to the correlation of detectors such as brushes 22 and signal responsive means such as switches 55 to 6D, the lamp G is not over or under supplied during movement of the record from column to column, thus securing continuity of operation. Y

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and that this invention includes all modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In the art of controlling mechanism with a ,record having a plurality of columns of code marks, apparatus comprising' a conveyor for advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions along a predetermined path,

a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent said path to respond to said marks, a selecting switch ,operative to render certain of the detectors only operative while the record is in each of said vmarks, and a selecting switch operative to render certain of the detectors operative while the record is in each of said positions, so that different columns are eiective at diiferent times.

3. In the art of controlling mechanism with a record having a plurality of columns of code marks,- apparatus comprising a conveyor for advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions along a predetermined path,

"a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent said path to respond to said marks, a selecting switch operative to render certain of the detectors only operative while the record is in each of said 'positions so that diiferent columns are eiective 'at different times, a control switch having a series of operations, and a sequencing switch transferred intermittently by said control switch to actuate said conveyor and selecting switch concomitantly in response to successive operations of the control switch.

4. In the art of controlling mechanism with a lrecord having a plurality of columns of code marks and with a source of cuing signals, ap-

paratus comprising a conveyor for intermittently advancing the record lengthwise oi the columns to successive positions along a predetermined path, a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent said path to respond to said code marks, a selecting switch operative to render certain. of the detectors only operative while the record is in each of said positions so that different columns are effective at different times, a control switch responsive to said cuing signals and having a series of operations, and a sequencing switch transl0 ferred intermittently by said control switch to actuate said conveyor and selecting switch concomitantly in response to successive operations of the control switch.

5. For controlling a series of consecutively varying physical values a control record having a series of consecutive groups of code marks arranged in a plurality of adjacent columns, the series progressing back and forth between columns.

6. In the art of controlling mechanism with a record having a plurality of coded groups, apparatus comprising a plurality of brushes for detecting the groups movable between an operative position in which they touch the record and an inoperative position, an electromagnet operating to move the brushes between operative and inoperative position, a conveyor movable from a starting position for advancing the record toassociate successive groups with the brushes, and a switch disposed on said conveyor conditioned b y manual force causing movement of said conveyor toward starting position to actuate said electromagnet to retract the brushes from operative position.

'7. In the art of controlling mechanism with a record having a plurality of columns of code marks, apparatus comprising a conveyor for advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions along a predetermined path, a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent said path to respond to said marks, a selecting switch operative to change the columns to which the detectors are responsive so that different columns control at diferent'times, a latch operated when the record is removed from the apparatus, and an auxiliary switch conditioned by the latch to transfer the selecting switch in one direction only thereby to shift control to a predetermined column.

8. In the art oi controlling mechanism with a record having a plurality of columns of marks, apparatus comprising a latch operated when a record is removed from the apparatus a conveyor for intermittently advancing the record lengthwise of the columns, a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent said record to respond to said marks, a selecting switch having a starting position in which certain of the detectors areA rendered operative and a second position in which other detectors are operative, an electromagnet having two conditions for transferring the contact means between said positions, a control key for momentarily energizing an electromagnet, and a circuit in parallel with said control key including, said circuit an auxiliary key conditioned by said latch means to close the circuit and a two-position contact operated by an electromagnet, said contactor having a non-conducting position corresponding to said starting position, whereby, if an electromagnet is energized through the auxiliary key and the contactor, the condition of said electromagnet is changed to transfer the contactor to non-conducting position, and the selecting switch to starting position, so that certain of the detectors are operative when a record is placed in the apparatus.

9. In the art of controlling a continuous opera- Vtion with a pattern card having a plurality of columns of circuit effecting code marks disposed in two groups, with the columns of each group being offset .transversely of the other columns, appa- .ratus comprising a conveyor for intermittently advancing the record to successive positions along a predetermined pathextending lengthwise of the columns,- a setV of detectors forVl each groupL of marks, a set" ofA control circuitsrespectively for seach';set'offdetectors, ineach-circuit a rectier rcuits so thatdiiierentgroupsof detectors and marks are-'effective atdifferent-times, whereby the marks of rst one and then the other orsaid Vcolumns to an adjacent row.

12. In apparatus for" controlling exposure 'through amotion picture film with a control record; theY combination of aplurality of resistorsforvaryingY an exposing light, andv vafswit'ch vforY each; resistor'controlledE by saidv record to determine theeiect oi-a resistor, at least one of said switches being normally operative andan'- ,other beingl normally inoperative to render'` a 'resistor effective" in v the absence' of.' control by saidfrecord, whereby not-all of the resistorsI are rendered effective-in thel absence'of said control.

13'. Apparatusior controlling a continuous operation comprising a primary record having co1- umns of code marks, said marks being disposed in-Y rows extending transverselyv of' said columns, each row comprising at least two groups of code marks, a secondary record carrying'cuingmarks.

'a plurality'of sets of `detectors responsive ton-said markseach set separately controllingv said'operation, astepping conveyoracting lengthwiseof `the columns forv associating thedetectorsV with successive' rows, aselecting'switch operative successively to render each set of detectors operative while the detectors are associated withsone' row so thatI diierent code groups of a row are effective` atdi'ierenttimes, a control switch responsive tosaid cuing marks, means for-feeding the secondary record" to-bring the cuingmarks into operative relationwith vthe4 control' switch, and' a sequencing switch conditioned by the control switchto actuate-said selecting switch andisaid conveyor'concomitantly, thereby to control said operationA according to successive coded? groups sensed by the vdetectors at. intervals timed by saidsecondary record.Y

14 In the art 0f' controlling mechanism with a record having a plurality of columns of code marks-apparatus comprising ar conveyor foradvancing` the-record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions along af predetermined path of record and: columns, a plurality of detectors disposed to respond tovsaid marks, anda select- 'ingJ switch operative to change thecolumns to which said detectors are responsive, so that different Vcolumns are effective at diierent times.

15; In the art of controlling a continuous operation'with a record having-a plurality of parallel columns of cod'ernarks'apparatus comprising a conveyor for intermittently advancing the i2 record-*lengthwise of4 the columns to-successive positions along predetermined pathsoffthefcolumns, af-plurality of circuits for controlling-said operations; a plurality of sensing brushes in each yo-said circuits responsivev to said marks, each sensing brushdisposed adjacent the path ofi-a column, and a selecting switch transierableto lsuccessively render each sensing brush in aci-1'- cuit operativeY whilel the record remains in: each of said positions, sothat different columns-are eiective-atdirferent times.

16. In the art of controlling a-continuous operation-witharecord' having a plurality ofparallel columns of 'code-marks, apparatus comprising a conveyor for advancing the record lengthwiseof the columns to successive positions along predetermined paths of the columns, aplurality of detectorsresponsive to said marks, aselecting switch operative to change the column to -which said detectors are responsive so thatY diierent columns are eir'ective Aat different times while-the record remains in each of said positions, and a sequencing-switch operable to actuate said conveyor and said selecting switch concomitantly.

17. In the art of controllinga continuous operation with a record having a plurality of parallel columns of code marks, apparatuscomprising an electrically actuated conveyor for advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions along predetermined paths of the columns, a plurality of sensing brushes responsive, to said marks` and disposed adjacent the paths oi respective columns, a selecting relay for successively, rendering diierent sensing brushes operative while therecord remains in each oise-id positions so that..diierent .columns areeiectve atfdiflerent times, and a sequencing switcnfor concomitantly energizing said conveyor and said selecting relay.

18. In the art of controlling a continuous operation with a record having a plurality .of parallel columnsof code marks,l apparatus comprising a conveyor-for advancing the recordlengthwise of the columns to successive positions along-predetermined paths of the columns, a vplurality of detec-tors responsive to said marks; afr selecting Switch operative tochangethe columns to which saidv detectors are-responsive so that dierent columns are Veective at different times while the record remains in each of said positions, a control switch responsivel to said controlled` operation; for supplying a series of cuingsignalsand azsequenci-ngl switch transferred intermittently j by'said control switch concomitantly-to-actuate saidadvancing means and said selectingf means inresponse to successivecuing signals, as supplied by 'they control switch.

1,9.. In the art of electrically controllingf-a series of consecutiveY operations with arecord having a plurality of parallel columns of code marksforf initiating control currents and, with a source furnishing cuing signals for cuing said control currents, apparatus comprising av conveyor for intermittently advancing the record lengthwise of the columns to successive positions to saidv cuing signalsconcomitantly to; actuate 13 said conveyor and said selecting switch on successive operations of the control switch.

20. Apparatus for controlling a continuous operation involving intensity changes such as eX- posure through a motion picture lm with varying exposure light intensity under control of a record having code marks disposed as groups in spaced rows transversely of the record, each group defining a given intensity, comprising elements for sensing the marks; a conveyor for advancing the record lengthwise successively to bring each row of marks into operative relation to said sensing elements; and, for effecting each intensity change corresponding to change from a group to the next, a switch responsive to a respective sensing element, said switches and sensing elements being interrelated such that one of said switches is normally operative and another is normally inoperative in the absence of a mark to be sensed by the sensing elements corresponding to said switches; whereby continuity of the operation is secured while the record is advancing without sensing of marks.

21. A record for initiating a succession of differentiated signals, comprising carrier means and thereupon code marks arranged on a plurality of adjacent columns and in rows transverse of said columns, each row including a plurality of groups of said marks with each group defining by its coniiguration one of said signals, and the sequence of groups as corresponding to said succession of signals progressing alternately within each row and from there to the next row.

22. A record for initiating a succession of differentiated signals, comprising a carrier sheet having marks aligned on a plurality of adjacent columns and also in rows transverse of said co1.

14 umns, each row having at least two groups of said marks with each group dening by its configuration a signal and each group embracing several columns, the sequence of groups as corresponding to said succession of signals progressing from the first to the last group of each row, from said last group to the first group of the next row, and so on.

23. The method of producing a succession of differentiated signals in predetermined order, which comprises the step of impressing a record carrier with marks arranged on a plurality of adjacent columns and in rows transverse of said columns, each row including a plurality of groups of said marks with the configuration of each group dening a respectively differentiated signal impulse and with the sequence of groups progressing in said order of said succession of signals within each row and from there to the next row, and the step of sensing said groups of marks along each roW and from the end of said row to the .beginning of the next row, thereby to produce a series of signals in said predetermined succession.

LAURISTON E. CLARK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file o1 this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,440,906 Metzger May 4, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 364g869 Great Britain Jan. 14. 1932 Certicate of Correction Patent No. 2,573,405 October 30, 1951. LAURISTON E. CLARK It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 10, line 56, strike out including and insert the same after said circuit, same line;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oice.

Signed and sealed this 4th day of March, A. D. 1952.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant ommz'sszoner of Patents. 

